Gyeongsang National University's Chilam Campus is being transformed into a hub aimed at attracting youth and research and startup talent to the old downtown area of Jinju.
Following the relocation of the Industry-Academic Cooperation Center and the Nursing College, the addition of a 453 billion won startup support facility is crucial to determining whether the university's facility reorganization will lead to revitalization of the old downtown.
On August 27, Gyeongsang National University presented plans to enhance the Chilam Campus during the 'Jinju City-Gyeongsang National University Cooperative Development Council.' This followed a request from Jinju City to consider relocating some colleges from the Gajwa Campus to the Chilam Campus, incorporating both completed relocation projects and new initiatives planned through 2028.
The university's industry-academic cooperation functions have already moved to the Chilam Campus. The Industry-Academic Cooperation Center relocated from the Gajwa Campus last May, and affiliated research institutes and centers are gradually moving as well. To date, 15 research institutes have relocated to the Chilam Campus.
The Nursing College also moved to the Chilam Campus last month. The relocation included undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, and practical training facilities, which the university notes differs from typical college relocations due to the presence of ongoing practical training.
A university planning official stated, "The Nursing College has its practical training facilities and equipment at the Chilam Campus, allowing students to stay and receive education continuously."
The Chilam Campus also operates existing dormitories and student dining facilities. However, some buildings are aging, raising the need for future renovations. The university is considering remodeling older facilities, such as those for the College of Humanities and Social Sciences and the College of Business, but specific project sizes and timelines have not yet been finalized.
A major project aimed at attracting startup talent is also underway. The 'Green Startup Town,' funded through a project by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, will involve a total investment of 453 billion won, with completion targeted for 2027. This initiative aims to cluster eco-friendly venture companies and startup support facilities within the university.
In 2028, plans are in place to establish a special education program at the Chilam Campus. This initiative aims to address the shortage of specialized personnel in special education in western Gyeongnam following the closure of Korea International University.
An increase of 20 students was confirmed in April, and a decision on the increase of full-time faculty requested by the university is expected in the first half of 2027.
The university is also considering adding additional organizational structures related to the expansion of undergraduate programs in artificial intelligence at the Chilam Campus. The potential relocation of additional colleges from the Gajwa Campus, as requested by Jinju City, will be decided after consulting university members and reviewing the long-term development plan.
The plan to open the campus to the public is also included. Starting October 1, the university will offer free parking at the Chilam Campus on weekends and holidays. This initiative aims to enhance parking convenience for visitors to Chilam-dong and the riverside area, thereby increasing foot traffic to local businesses. However, details regarding the total number of free parking spaces and operational specifics will be managed separately by the administrative department.
Gyeongsang National University plans to include the functional and specialization directions of each campus in its long-term development plan to be announced this month.
The success of revitalizing the Chilam Campus hinges on how much the actual resident population can be increased, rather than just the relocation of facilities. If the relocation of the Industry-Academic Cooperation Center and Nursing College, along with the establishment of the Green Startup Town, leads to an influx of research and startup talent, a structure could be created that keeps these individuals in the old downtown area.
Conversely, the additional relocation of colleges and the attraction of public institutions are still under review, leaving the specifics of the execution schedule and scale in the long-term development plan as the next task ahead.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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